Pennsylvania imposes potentially severe consequences on those convicted of causing serious bodily injury to, or the death of, another person due to driving under the influence. Pennsylvania state police recently arrested and charged a 26-year-old woman not only with drunk driving but with homicide by vehicle while under the influence, among other charges. Police allege that the woman was driving her vehicle early in the morning when she struck another vehicle, causing the death of the driver.
Police allege the accused lost control of her southbound vehicle when it crossed into a southbound lane. She apparently struck the northbound vehicle driven by a 56-year-old man. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police say.
The accused, from Perkasie, was taken to a hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. She was also charged with driving on roadways laned for traffic. She has been arraigned. She remains in custody since she could not post the $500,000 cash bail.
The most serious cases of drunk driving in Pennsylvania are those where someone dies as a result. Homicide by vehicle while under the influence carries a hefty prison sentence and other consequences, so obtaining legal counsel is crucial. A lawyer will strive to protect his or her client from the harsh punishment of the charges. He or she will try to make every effort to create reasonable doubt regarding a client’s alleged guilt. Preparing a strong defense against a homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence charge is complex and one for which astute legal counsel may be wise.
